How To Install A Greywater System
Here is a good video showing you how to install a laundry to landscape greywater system. If you are interested in saving more water on your landscape, consider sheet mulching. Other water saving tips can be found here. Tell us how you are reusing greywater. This forum provides you with resources about home renovation, improvement, […]
Make Your Garden Grow With A Greywater System
The severe drought in the west and mid-west is causing restriction on watering lawn. Drought and water are now on every body’s mind. As many water agencies require mandatory water usage reduction by 10-20%, some homeowners converting their thirsty lawns to drought tolerant gardens. Lawn conversion is clearly the best way to save water as […]
Nearing The Finish Line
The final touches have been made. Cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms are installed. Granite countertops are placed in kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen and bathrooms plumbing fixtures are all hooked up. The ENERGY STAR rated huge counter-depth refrigerator, and dishwashers are installed. Cooking appliances include a combined range/convection oven unit as well as a combined microwave/convention […]
Interior Making Progress
The interior work is also taking shape. Windows and doors trims are in place, baseboards are installed. Tubs, tiles, toilets are in upstairs bathrooms. A cast iron tub is installed in the master bath. Bullnose (rounded) wall corners are used throughout the house. Custom shelving is added on the side of the staircase. Shelves with […]
Exterior Taking Shape
The new stairwell and new covered front porch were painted. The screens were installed for the painted front porch to allow for outdoor enjoyment without getting bothered by mosquitos in summer. New high efficient heat pump water heater is in. There is new septic system. A new overhead insulated garage doors is installed. The garage […]
Energy Measures Are All In Place
After taking most of this 100 plus year old house to the studs, the energy efficiency measures were all in place. That includes Triple-pane windows (by Kohltech), air sealing throughout the house, blown-in cellulose insulation in attic with R-80 and in walls with R-18, 15 mil heavy-duty polyurethane liners lined the crawlspace and basement. (Yes, […]
Progressing Toward Air Sealing Goal
This house was so leaky that before any air sealing and insulation, the blower door could not be operated to reach 50 pascal pressure difference, which is the standard to measure air leakage. Tom and his team took a series of steps. Using the blower door along the way to measure the result of each […]
Saving Water by Sheet Mulching
With the severe drought we have this year, water conservation is in everybody’s mind. Outdoor water accounts for 60% of residential usage. Reducing landscape watering can make significant impact. A couple of weeks ago I volunteered at a Lawn to Garden Party in Livermore, organized by StopWaste of Alameda County. The activities were led by […]